Felting Lessons

I’ve been experimenting with felting handwovens for making ponytail holders.  Along the way I’ve learned a few lessons:

Fiber does matter

Only certain fibers will felt. Wool and Alpaca are among these.  Generally synthetics and cellulose based yarns will not. This can be used to advantage — you can create textures based on the difference in shrinkage.

Spin Control

Tightly spun yarns do not felt as well as loosely spun or many plied yarns.

Spacing

Loosely woven felts better than tightly woven. It shrinks more and it seems to felt more closely, although this may be a factor of the spin, too.

For the most part I’ve woven them on my little tapestry loom (which I love!).